BNP writes to law ministry over RPO provision on contesting under party symbol

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has written to the law ministry objecting to a clause in the amended Representation of the People Order (RPO) that obliges candidates in alliances to contest under their own party symbol, after earlier raising the issue with the Election Commission.

The party wants registered political parties within alliances to have the flexibility to contest under their own symbol if they wish.

On Tuesday afternoon, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed submitted the request to Law Advisor Asif Nazrul at the Secretariat.

The BNP had sent a letter to the Election Commission protesting the same provision on Sunday.

The party argues that allied parties should be allowed to contest under their own or another alliance member’s symbol.

Speaking after meeting the law advisor, Salahuddin said: “A change has been made in Clause 20 of the RPO through the cabinet. It now requires registered political parties to contest under their own symbol. Previously, allied parties could contest under their own or another alliance member’s symbol.”

He added, “Many amendments in the RPO have been accepted by us, such as provisions on ‘no’ votes, higher candidate deposits, and Election Commission powers to act against irregularities. We agreed with almost all, but not this one.”

Asked about the outcome of the meeting, the senior BNP leader said: “I have discussed this with the law advisor before. He said he would bring it to the government’s attention.

“I am sure discussions took place within the relevant offices, but after the ordinance passed in the cabinet, this issue was not considered.

“Our concern remains unchanged,” he added. “We have also sent a letter to the Election Commission. We believe this is important for the interest of multi-party democracy.

“The Electoral Reform Commission did not consult us on this matter, nor did the National Consensus Commission,” he added.

Nazrul, however, did not speak to the media after the meeting.

The amended RPO ordinance received approval from the Advisory Council on Thursday ahead of the parliamentary polls and now awaits the president’s signature.